Q: Are you selecting a design or a designer?
A: We are selecting a design, not a designer. That being said, we consider the designer's life, work, and general vision to be relevant to the design submitted. Therefore, samples of past work, additional, brief (i.e. <500 words) personal statements in addition to the mandatory statement of approach to design can be included for review by the selection committee. However, these are extra and should not distract energies from the design itself, which is our primary interest.
Q: Is the design competition also open to students or only professionals?
A: This is an open competition, to which both students and professionals are invited to submit. All design submissions will be reviewed for structural integrity by architects on the selection committee.
Q: To what extent can the existing foundation be modified?
A: The existing foundation can be modified so long as its existing qualities are preserved:
The quartz walls were laid by a master craftsman and a team of workers in the early days of the community. The craftsmanship is highly valued by the community, and the local, quartz stone from around the mountain carries desirable energetic qualities. Symbolically, it represents the spiritual foundation of the SOI laid by the previous generation of leadership. Therefore the quartz walls should not be destroyed or covered over.
As long as these qualities are preserved, modification of the foundation is possible, depending on the imagination of the designer within this budget. For example, the concrete arch has a bad crack. This arch could be repaired or removed entirely, so long as it does not disturb the stone walls. Also the foundation could be extended in a variety of ways, using aesthetically harmonious building materials. For more detail on the status of the foundation's concrete, see the post-fire engineering report.
Q: What is the required size of the temple?
A: There is no required size other than to fit onto the existing pedestal and to be proportionate in size to the base/ site. This necessarily limits the amount of people who can be in the site to about 15-20, but note that for ceremonies or other functions people can gather outside the site and look in.
Q: What functions specifically must the temple contain? Is it to be simply one large open worship/meditation space, or are there attached support spaces as well such as restrooms, offices etc.?
A: The function is for small groups for meditation and spiritual ritual. Again, for major ceremonies it is expected that people will congregate outside the temple looking in (hence the importance of it being open). There need be no restrooms, offices, or any other support spaces, as these facilities are provided by outhouses, a kitchen, and utility shed at the eastern end of the surrounding mountain camp.
Q: Is the temple to be entirely an open-air structure, with no mechanical heating or air conditioning of any kind?
A: Correct, there are no air conditioning or heating requirements of any kind as the temple will not be a sealed space, and will be open to the elements.
Q: Is the temple to be entirely open above to the sky, or partly open to the sky - if only partly, how much?
A: It is preferred that the sky be visible and open, but beyond that, and exactly how much, is up to the designer. The only absolute principal is that there must be some degree of openness -- that the design not be a sealed structure. An excellent design with less open space will definitely be considered.
A: The new structure should be built onto the existing base. The main reasons for this are a) the foundation has aesthetic and symbolic value and thus should remain a major part of the design; b) we want a small temple, anything so big as to require going far beyond the foundation or creating new foundation would be too big for the space and intention; and c) going much beyond the existing base is outside of our financial scope. That being said, designs that extend modestly over the boundaries of the current base would be acceptable. For example, one could extend a platform off one end of the foundation to allow a greater, more rectangular space and more design possibilities.
Q: Is $22,000.00 actually your construction budget? This seems remarkably low. Do you have some separate funding source to cover so-called "soft costs" like permits, taxes, engineering and professional fees, etc.?
A: Yes, 22,000.00 is our construction budget. Despite it being small, please note that no electrical, plumbing, heating or other systems are required, and local soft costs are low. The budget is fixed, and corresponds to our intention and expectation that designs be simple as well as beautiful.
Q: The design award is $5,000.00. Is that just to cover the effort involved in generating a design for this competition, or do you intend that whoever wins the competition would also provide working drawings and all the rest of their service for that same $5,000.00?
A: $5,000.00 is the total award for the winning submission. We expect the winning submission to also provide a basic level of working drawings and details.
Q: Please elaborate on the format in which you wish to receive designs.
A: We wish to receive submissions of two or more 24" by 36" dimension design drawings. These may be digital, sent on a CD (not by email) or paper drawings. Please include PDF versions of any drawings made in engineering software. Paper drawings may be submitted on some type of matte board. Please do not send 3-D mock-ups/models.
Q: What is the process of registration?
A: There is no registration for this competition. You need only submit your designs to enter formally.
Q: Do the visitors stand sit or kneel while in the pavilion?
A: There is no strict requirement for seating space. For special events, carpets and cushions can be brought to temporarily cover the floor for sitting, and fold-up chairs for elderly or disabled could be placed on the floor or surrounding the site. Benches or other seating harmoniously integrated into the design are certainly possible.
Q: Are there any altar materials?
A: Whether there is an altar, altars, and what kind exactly, is to a large extent a design call. There is not a strict functional need for an altar - a design whose gestalt depends on an open inner space would be considered, and temporary altars set up as needed for particular ceremonies. On the other hand an altar, possibly with four sides devoted to the four elements, or four separate altars, could be very effective in embodying the spirit of homage and prayer that underlies this project. There is no requirement for altar materials except that they be beautiful and weather-proof. In this regard the local quartz stone seems like a logical choice for material.
To help get a sense of the kinds of ritual that would be performed, the archetypal SOI ceremony is called the 'Universal Worship,' where candles representing different religious traditions are lit from a single candle, representing the flame of truth underlying all religions. In this ceremony there are typically one or two officiants, with the congregation participating in song, prayer, etc. In this case the officiant stands before an altar that holds the
candles, such as the one pictured. Another key ceremony is called 'zikr', which is the
prayerful repetition of sacred phrases and prayers. This, as well as
meditation, usually occurs seated in a circle on the floor. Given
these two types of ceremonies, any altar element in the design should
not be so large and central as to preclude sitting comfortably in a
circular formation.
Q: Is there a need for furniture (new or existing)?
Besides the possibility of benches discussed above, there is no need for furniture of any kind.
Q: From the photo of the pre-2004 Temple, it appears that the Entry is up the stone steps, but the foundation has an entry on the opposite side. Was there a floor at the top of the foundation? If so, do you require a new floor in the same location?
A: In the old sanctuary, there was a wood floor on top of the foundation, and the structure pictured at right came up from the floor. 
There is no requirement for a floor to the structure. What is currently the dirt floor of the foundation could be modified for use as the worship space with structural elements occurring overhead. In such a case however, care should be made that the main stairway is cleverly incorporated in some way that it is not completely superfluous.
Q: What is the purpose of the entry in the foundation?
The archway entrance went into a basement space underneath the floor. At one time there was a plan to create some sort of retreat space beneath the floor, however, it was so moldy and damp that nothing came of it, and the basement doorway and space were unused.
Q: I would like to know what the original height of the structure was and what the height limit of the proposed design is.
A: The original height of the structure was approximately 25-30 feet high from the bottom of the foundation to the glass dome at the top. There is no specific height limit for design proposals, other than what is naturally suggested by constraints of budget and harmony with the environment.
Q: On the site plan topographic drawing there is seen what appears to be a very faint line of dots, describing a large-diameter circle which surrounds the footprint of the existing temple foundation. On some of the site photos you can also see a hint of what appears to be a line of rocks demarking a boundary of some kind encircling the temple precinct. What is the significance of this, and what is its relevance to the Temple project currently being considered?
A: A keen observation. The faint line of dots does indeed correspond to a large diameter circle of quartz rocks encircling the sanctuary site. This quartz circle delineates the sacred space of the temple, marking a sacred boundary. This quartz circle is open directly before the staircase, such that one enters the circle before entering the sanctuary itself (the opening of the circle is marked by two cairns, shown at right). The circle has a subtle but powerful effect of sacralizing the inner space.
For the current project, we are seeking designs that further enhance the sense of pilgrimage from outer to inner, mundane to sacred space/time. The circle can be left as it is, or, if a designer wishes to modify or remove it, changes should follow a larger vision of sacred pilgrimage.
Q: One of the site photos on the website shows a tree trunk with what appears to be raked earth in concentric circles around it, in the manner of a formal Buddhist temple garden. Does this have some particular significance or application to this project
?
A: What you are noticing is a small labyrinth, which is used for walking meditation and contemplation. It is made not of raked earth but quartz rocks carefully arranged. The tree is at the center of the labyrinth. The labyrinth is a part of the contemplative environment of the mountaintop, and many people choose to walk it before approaching the sancturary, but there is not a direct link to the sanctuary. Designers are encouraged to view the entire site as a temple complex facilitating experiences of contemplation, and further integration through design of the labyrinth and the temple would be welcome.
Q: Are you at all concerned about the usefulness of a wide-open temple in a location subject to cold weather and snow as is your site? Do you simply accept that the temple will not be used in cold winter months, or do you expect that people would 'bundle up' and use the temple year-round?
A: Based on experience, we know that no building will be used on the mountaintop during the winter months unless it is fully heated, insulated, and sealed from the elements, which is outside the intention and scope of this project. The previous sanctuary was a sealed space in which people could meet and meditate, however, it was far too cold to use in the winter, and the wood in the floor and walls became so moldy that even in warm weather the interior was under-used.
Therefore, we are soliciting an open-air, low-maintenance design that will serve as a shrine in both winter and summer months. While long ceremonies and gatherings will not take place in the winter, the mountain is very beautiful in snowy months and our intention is that the temple will be a natural and inspiring destination for residents and guests taking winter walks or seeking outdoor meditation in the colder months.
Q: Is it reasonable to assume that users of the Temple would always approach from the road indicated on the site plan drawing, or are there trails off the drawing which would lead to the temple from another direction(s)?
A: In addition to the gravel road indicated on the site plan, there are two walking paths that enter into the clearing from the south, which lead to retreat huts to the southwest and southeast of the site. These are small forest paths, however, and most people approach the temple from the gravel road and enter the stone circle enclosure. Designers are encouraged to consider how flow of foot traffic to the site can best embody a journey from outer to inner, and whether delineating a new path (using stones or plants) would enhance the design.
Q: If some type of lighting was incorporated into this design, is it possible to have electricity run to the temple from a nearby location, provided that this will fit into the budget?
A: There is no easy way to run electricity to the site on a long-term basis. There is a generator at the mountain camp (several hundred yards to the east), and we plan on using this to provide electricity during construction. For the general life of the temple, however, there are no plans to run electricity.
Fire, in the form of candles, lanterns, torches, or a firepit, would be a more viable light source.
Q: The construction budget, which I assume includes materials AND labor, seems low even for an unconditioned space without plumbing or electricity. Is there any possibility for work to be done on this project by volunteers and members of the local/spiritual community?
A: Yes, we are expecting that some labor costs will be offset by volunteers in the community, including builders, skilled laborers, and unskilled laborers. However, since we don't yet know what kinds of trades the design will call for, nor can we absolutely guarantee the availability of people in the community, we cannot accurately predict this. As a general guideline, designers should consider devoting 1/3 of the budget for materials and 2/3 for labor.
As for the contractors, selection team member Maharaji Hess will serve as general contractor for the project on a volunteer basis. An experienced builder in the area, he will be organizing sub-contractors and any necessary equipment.
Q: In terms of future maintenance on the temple, is this performed by the members of your group, or is this outsourced to local trade contractors (painting, concrete/stone foundation repair, rust and mold removal, etc.)
A: Future maintenance of the temple will be performed by the Abode community and the seasonal mountain camp staff. It is worth repeating, however, that we are looking for a design that requires minimal maintenance.
Q: Are multiple design submissions by one person permitted?
A: There is no limit to the number of submissions one person can make.
Q: What are the heights of the steps along the Southern face of the building?
A: The first step is 13" above the last slab of the walkway and it's length at the front nose is 15 ft. The next 2 steps are 8"to 8 1/4" high. The second step's length is 11' 6". The third is 7' long. The run of the steps is approximately 10" to 12". The wall height at the steps is about 4' on either side. The wall height at the doorway is about 5 1/2'.
Q: I would like to ask you if the SOI temple design is envisioned as a wooden structure, or other materials could be used such as the available stone.
A: Many different kinds of materials may be used, and we especially welcome the integration of local stone into the design. There is no requirement that structures in the design be made of wood. The only requirements for building materials is that they be weatherproof in 4 seasons with a minimum of ongoing maintenance.
Q: Are entries to the competition to be anonymous, or is the firm name permitted to be posted on the drawings?
A: The competition is not anonymous, and names are permitted to be posted on the drawings.
Q: Do I understand the $5,000 is not going to be awarded until after the working drawings are 100%, or is it awarded after designer is selected?
A: Half of the award (i.e. $2,500) will be disbursed once a winning design is selected. The winning designer will then develop full working drawings, at which point the remaining half will be disbursed.
Q: I wish to verify the information shown on your website regarding the budget and award for the Design Competition. As I understand it the construction budget is $22,000.00. Is this correct? What size building and what program does your organization hope to build with this budget? The award is $5,000.00. Is this for the conceptual design only? I would assume this could not possibly entail the sole payment for a full set of construction documents, specifications, construction administration etc. Please confirm these numbers if at all possible since they appear to be somewhat "insufficient".
A: The total construction budget is $22,000, and the total award, including full working drawings and specifications, is $5,000. We do not expect the designer to provide construction administration, as this will be undertaken by our general contractor on a volunteer basis. We do expect, however, that the designer remain available for consultation and input during construction, especially if construction requires unforseen modifications.
We understand very well that this is a very smale-scale project with budget constraints. However, this suits the project: we are looking for majesty within simplicity, and a humility of form that nevertheless encourages powerful experiences of worship. We expect that the grandeur of the design will come not from the size or intricacy of a structure, but the manner in which design elements create a sacred space and cohere with the surroundings. That is the challenge and essence of this competition. While the budget constraints are a serious limitation, they also provide a creative opportunity.
Q: Is it necessary to re-build a superstructure on top of the foundation?
A: No. Designs which leave the foundation wide open but effectively organize and orient the space are welcome.
In this regard, note that a major inspiration for this project is the passage in Exodus 20:24 where God commands the Israelites to "Build an altar of earth... when you make an altar of stones, use unhewn stones..." (see Pir Zia's talk on the subject - 2nd page). An open-air structure made of earth and stone does not necessarily require any form of superstructure upon the foundation.
Q: One of the corners of the foundation is not there. Is there a reason for this, or is this part of the damage from the fire?
A: What you refer to is a niche in the south-east corner of the foundation. It's original purpose is something of a mystery. Our intrepid sound man used to hide out of sight in the corner with recording equipment while seminars and lectures were given, however, it is unclear if it was designed for that purpose. The corner is structurally sound.
Q: I would like to ask you if openings (doors or windows or other types of openings) in the temple could remain open permanently, or if it is a must that they could be closed when needed.
A: There is no strict requirement for doors and windows to close. Since designs are not expected to be weatherproof, it may be an unnecessary complication to have closing doors and windows. Furthermore, if a door is attached to the lower arch, it will be snowed shut during the winter.
Q: Is the site blessed with any water? Either a stream or underground source?
No, there are no streams, brooks, springs or ponds near the site. The only moisture is rain and snow melt runoff and seepage into the aquifer.
Q: It appears that the entrance is optimally located where it was previously as opposed to entering the project through the arch which would have previously led to a crawl space. Would it be possible to enter the new project through the arch or are the steps part of a larger processional that is oriented in a particular direction? If the entrance should remain where the steps are then it would require all people to climb over the wall to a degree as you have indicated that the existing floor would be sufficient for the new design. This seems a rather awkward way to enter a temple, would it be possible to remove a section of the wall where the steps are located so that entrance to the temple could be at grade?
A: Currently, the "front" steps are part of a larger processional in that a stone path from the outer ring of stones (and ultimately the road) lead into the staircase. If a design wishes to use the back archway as an entrance to the ground-level floor, foot traffic would have to be gracefully reorganized. Removing the steps or a section of the wall at the front is not a preferred option, because it would be undoing good craftsmanship and it would require considerable effort. That being said, if the integrity of an excellent design depends on this option we would be flexible.
Q: What was the cause of the fire? Was it an accident, vandalism, etc?
A: The exact cause of the fire is not known 100%, as nobody was in the building when it burnt. Evidence suggests a candle was left burning in the sanctuary, which somehow caught onto a tapestry hanging on the wall. Vandalism has not been a major issue on the mountain site, which is relatively secluded.
Q: Are there any interior footings that can be reused?
A: No, all the footings are under the wall (some of the footing shows in the pictures). The floor is completely dirt.
Q: One of the pictures in the engineering report looks like there is a beam pocket in the foundation wall. Can you confirm any beam pockets and their structural integrity for reuse?
There are a few holes in the wall which are structurally sound, however, their function is a mystery. They have not previously been used as beam pockets. They could be, however, they are located at odd places, a few feet up from the bottom of the foundation. More precise locations of the beam holes are available upon request.
Q: Will soft costs such as building permit, engineer's stamp, etc., be taken from the construction budget or the $5,000 designer's award.
A: Additional soft or unforseen costs will be taken out of the construction budget, not the design award.
The building permit will cost $150, and the drawings will require a NY engineer's stamp. We are currently trying to find a local architect within the extended community to provide this service.
Q: Did the engineer's who prepared the report give any ballpark cost estimates for repairing the foundation per their recommendations?
A: This partially depends upon the design. Currently, there is mild seepage through the foundation walls below ground level. This is not a structural concern. However, if a design wishes to apply some kind of finish the inside walls (e.g. stucco, tile) to integrate what has been a "basement" space, this seepage will need to be addressed. This would require digging around the foundation, cleaning it, and either tarring it or wrapping it in a waterproof membrane, and finally installing a curtain drain around the footing. In such a case, the community will undertake the digging labor, and $500 should be budgeted for materials.
If a design calls for a concrete or finished floor but not finished walls, a French drain should be installed underneath the floor, and $200 should be budgeted for this expense.
Q: What sorts of tools and mechanical help are available?
Basic carpentry tools and a pick-up truck are available from the Abode site. A backhoe and skilled operator is available for a $800-day fee. Any other specialized equipment and mechanical help will need to be rented.
Q: Is it possible for excavator and truck to reach the site and the sanctuary?
A: Yes. The dirt road going by the site is accessible to trucks, cars, or other vehicles (e.g. backhoe).
Q: What is the availability of the local stone (particularly the white quartz)?
A: This is difficult to estimate with precision. Quartz is available on the mountain site, and in nearby stream beds. These are small boulders of approximately 1' X 1' X 1' and smaller, which have been polished through erosion. While there are veins of quartz running throughout the mountain, mining for larger stones is not a likely possibility at this time. As a basic guideline, we expect to be able to gather the same amount of quartz as is currently lining the foundation. (For a more detailed assessment of the mountain's geology, click here).
Q: You require the boards to have a 24" by 36" format. Is that the only format accepted?
We will accept other formats so long as one of the two required drawings is in 24" by 36" format. We will also accept more than two drawings if the designer wishes.
Q: Are foreigners allowed to participate?
A: Yes, international participation is definitely welcome.
Q: Can the submission be sent by e-mail?
A: For logistical reasons, we prefer hard copies of submissions, either digital (on a CD) or actual drawings. If this presents a difficulty please contact UniverselSC@yahoogroups.com
Q: Do you plan to publish the results of the competition?
A: We currently have no plans to publish the results of the competition. If this changes in any way, we will ask permission of designers beforehand.
Q: It was mentioned that the previous structure burnt down as a result of the tapestry catching on fire. In the new structure, how much of the wall will be covered by tapestry and would there be any other objects such as sculptures, crafts or ornaments?
Inside the pyramidal structure of the old sanctuary, the wood was rather musty and not particularly inspiring. Four large pieces of cloth were hung representing the four elements, which helped bring life to the interior. We do not expect to hang cloth or any other ornament (especially since it will be open to the air), unless a design specifically calls for it. If a design were to call for the use of fabric, note that it would have to be seasonally removed.
Q: What time of the day and year were the photos taken?
A: The photos were taken in early spring, after the snow had melted but before any new vegetation had appeared. This is why the area looks quite sparse. In the summer, the site is quite green and lush.
Q: Is the design expected to comply with building codes (railings and guard rails)?
A: Yes. The design is expected to comply with building codes, and guard rails will be important if there is an open space with a drop.
Q: Again, regarding international entries. If an international entry should win the competition, what is your plan of awarding the prize to the designer? There should be a few additional cost in transferring the money or cheque abroad. Who's going to cover that?
A: Additional costs of money transfer, etc., will not be taken from the award money.
Q: Since international entries are welcomed, should there be any problems submitting the design in metric measuring unit? It's quite hard to work on the project in imperial unit for some other countries.
A: Designs may be submitted in metric units. If a designer wishes to use metric, please use a comparable format to a 24" X 36" drawing (i.e. 600 X 900 mm).
Q: According to the 24" x 36" size, can that be concluded that I would have to adjust my digital files correspondent to that dimension, if I am to submit everything in digital files? (For instance, I'll have to setup each page in MSWord or PDF to be 24"x 36" so that when you print them out you would have them in that particular dimension, correct?)
A: Correct. In the page setup function please adjust the page size accordingly.
Q: What are the prevailing winds throughout the season on the site?
A: The prevailing winds throughout the seasons are from the West, coming in through the valley over the steep ridge. The other direction of wind, from the North-East, is largely sheltered by trees on the North end of the slope. Therefore, wind is mostly felt coming from the West.
Q: What is the flora like through the year? Are there lots of colours? What are the native plants near the site?
A: The basic flora growing near the site is ferns, which grow throughout the undergrowth, as well as rasberry bushes, which are not particularly fruitful and are currently growing to the north of the sanctuary site. These rasberry bushes to the North could be removed with great benefit for opening the space. There are few naturally growing flowers at the sanctuary site, however, the site supports a variety of flowers which are planted in garden beds throughout the mountaintop.
In terms of trees, the predominant species are hemlock, oak, maple, a few birch, hornbeam, and moose maples, with oak and maple being the largest and most predominant. In the autumn the mountain is very colorful with the turning leaves, and in the summer it is very lush and green.
Q: Do you have any specific requirements regarding the identification of entrants on the submission drawings? (Some competitions organizers prefer that entrants name and contact information be included in a spearate sealed enveope.)
A: We have no specific requirements for the identification of applicants on submission drawings. Since the competition is not anonymous, there is no problem if names appear discreetly on the drawings. By the same token, the personal statement would likely be the best place to list detailed contact information.
Q: Is the master craftsman who laid the original quartz wall still around?
A: We are not currently in contact with the craftswoman who laid the original quartz wall. It may be possible to track her down, however.
Q: Have you investigated the local permitting process? As this will be a structure intended for public assembly, will the local building department require the signature of a licensed professional (engineer/architect) in order to grant a building permit?
A: Yes. The building permit will cost $150, and will require the stamp of NY engineer or architect. We are currently inquiring in the extended community to find someone with that qualification to review the drawings on a volunteer basis.
Q: Do you have any sort of contingency budget?
A: Yes, we have a very small contingency budget (< 10%) reserved for unforseen expenses, however, we ask that designers proceed with the $22,000 as a firm budget guideline and not depend on this small reserve fund.
Q: Regarding the September 13th date, I was curious to know of it's importance, and what I could refer to that day as.
A: September 13th is known in our community as Hejirat day, and refers to the day that Hazrat Inayat Khan, our order's founder, left India for the West to spread the message of music and Sufism. It is one of three sacred days to us, including Inayat Khan's birthday and date of passing from this earth.
Q: Can you confirm the floor level of the previous temple. was it at ground level or generally at the top of the existing stone walls?
A: The floor level of the previous temple was at the top of the existing walls.
Q: Is the 24" x 36" presentation format to be oriented vertically or horizontally?
A: This is up to the designer.
Q: The link to the Pdf. concerning the geology of the region is missing, is there another way to access the information?
A: The link is now active. Thank you for pointing this out.
Q: Are there any concerns / requirements for handicapped accessibility leading to and within the new structure?
A: We have not made this a specific requirement, however, increased handicap accessibility is definitely a desireable goal and would in principle be looked upon favorably by the selection committee.
Q: Would you prefer a single point of entry to the structure or multiple entry points for the new temple?
A: We have no specific preference, and leave this question to the designer.
Q: Do you want to see any specific information as to a cost estimate for construction within the presentation drawings?
A: We would definitely like to see cost estimates for the design. These may be submitted within the actual presentation drawings or as a separate document.
Q: How much will the budget be an initial deciding factor in the selection process in relation to the quality of the design itself? Would you select a design knowing some modifications would have to be made in order for it to be affordable?
A: Since budget is a major constraint in this project, it will be an important early criterion in the selection process. We are simply not in a position to consider projects significantly outside our budget parameters. That being said, we would select an excellent design slightly outside of budget if it was felt that modifications could be made in order to make it affordable, as you suggest. In such a case, as with any modifications, the consultation of the designer will certainly be sought.